The 8th edition of The Best Chef Awards culminated in a spectacular ceremony at the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, honouring 550 chefs from 61 countries, making it the largest edition to date.

Nine South African chefs were recognised among the world’s best: Peter Tempelhoff (FYN, Cape Town), Johannes Richter (The LivingRoom, Durban), James Gaag (La Colombe, Cape Town), Moses Moloi (Gigi, Johannesburg), Wandile Mabaso (Les Creatifs, Johannesburg), Katlego Mlambo (Flames, Four Seasons Johannesburg), Callan Austin (Dusk, Stellenbosch), Mmabatho Molefe (formerly Emazulwini, Cape Town), and Rikku O’Donnchu (Riku Chef’s Counter, Cape Town).

In a shift from previous years, the organisation has moved from a ranking system to a rating system, awarding chefs one, two, or three knives. In this system, three knives represent top-tier culinary mastery, two knives signify world-class excellence, and one knife denotes exceptional culinary skills.

Tempelhoff, Gaag, and Moloi attained two knives, while Richter, Molefe, Mlambo, Mabaso, Austin, and O’Donnchu were awarded one knife.

In addition to the awarding of knives, the evening also revealed the top three chefs for The World’s Best Chef Awards:

1st Place: Rasmus Munk – Alchemist, Denmark

Famed for his avant-garde approach, Munk’s work at Alchemist melds theatrical elements with culinary innovation, offering an immersive experience that has elevated him to global acclaim.

2nd Place: Albert Adrià – Enigma, Spain
An icon of culinary experimentation, Adrià continues to break boundaries at Enigma, where his work combines storytelling with innovative technique, solidifying his influence in the industry.

3rd Place: Eric Vildgaard – Jordnær, Denmark
Renowned for his commitment to sustainability and purity, Vildgaard’s creations at Jordnær are a testament to the artistry of local Nordic ingredients, making his work resonate on a global scale.

Joanna Slusarczyk, co-founder of The Best Chef, said, “This year, we were privileged to acknowledge an extraordinary 550 chefs — each one an embodiment of skill, vision, and dedication. The new Knife recognition system has allowed us to highlight chefs at all stages of their journey, giving due respect to their craft and contributions. Witnessing this level of talent, from renowned masters to emerging stars, all here in Dubai, has been profoundly moving. We are honoured to be a part of this journey and look forward to seeing these chefs continue to shape the future of global gastronomy.”